Vikings’ Ponder Has Hip Pointer; ‘Should Be Fine’ To Face Lions

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 4: Christian Ponder #7 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts to throwing a interception for a Denver Broncos touchdown in the first quarter on December 4, 2011 at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Christian PonderMINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 4: Christian Ponder #7 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts to throwing a interception for a Denver Broncos touchdown in the first quarter on December 4, 2011 at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder has a hip pointer after taking a hard hit early in Sunday’s game against Denver.

Ponder was seen favoring his left leg when he scrambled or walked back to the huddle and clutching his right side in discomfort during the game, though coach Leslie Frazier didn’t specify.

The coach said Monday that Ponder’s injury was the one the Vikings are “most concerned about” this week, but he added later that trainers told him the rookie “should be fine” for this Sunday’s game against Detroit.

“He’s a guy that has relied on his mobility at times, and they can be a little tricky,” Frazier said.

Frazier said Joe Webb would play if Ponder couldn’t. The Vikings signed Sage Rosenfels last week as their third-stringer, but he’s not “at that point” yet with the offense where he can start.

Running back Adrian Peterson could return from a two-game absence due to a sprained left ankle. Frazier said the team believes “he’s very close.” The Vikings will have a better indication about Peterson’s progress once they return to practice Wednesday.

Linebacker Chad Greenway hyper-extended his right elbow late in the game, but Frazier said he will probably recover in time to play this week. Defensive end Brian Robison suffered and concussion and will have to be evaluated throughout the week. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe showed up with a swollen hand, but X-rays showed no break.